Chapter XXIII.

77. But because this belongs to few, He now begins to speak of searching for and possessing wisdom, which is a tree of life; and certainly, in searching for and possessing, i.e. contemplating this wisdom, such an eye is led through all that precedes to a point where there may now be seen the narrow way and the strait gate. When, therefore, He says in continuation, “Enter ye455    Introite; Vulgate, intrate. in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it;456    The narrowness of the way is taken to represent the self-denial and hardships of disciples (Meyer, Mansel, etc.), or righteousness (Bengel, Schaff, etc.). “The picture is a dark one, and yet it represents but too faithfully the impression made, I do not say on Calvinist or true Christian, but on any ethical teacher, by the actual state of mankind around us. If there is any wider hope, it is found in hints and suggestions of the possibilities of the future (1 Pet. iii. 19, iv. 6),” etc. ( Plumptre). He does not say so for this reason, that the Lord’s yoke is rough, or His burden heavy; but because few are willing to bring their labours to an end, giving too little credit to Him who cries, “Come unto me, all ye that labour, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: for my yoke is easy,457    Lene…sarcina; Vulgate, suave…onus. and my burden458    Lene…sarcina; Vulgate, suave…onus. is light”459    Matt. xi. 28–30. (hence, moreover, the sermon before us took as its starting-point the lowly and meek in heart): and this easy yoke and light burden which many spurn, few submit to; and on that account the way becomes narrow which leadeth unto life, and the gate strait by which it is entered.

CAPUT XXIII.---77. Sed hoc quia paucorum est, jam incipit de investiganda et possidenda sapientia loqui, quod est lignum vitae: cui utique investigandae ac possidendae, id est contemplandae, talis oculus per omnia superiora perductus est, quo videri jam possit arcta via et angusta porta. Quod ergo deinceps dicit, «Introite per angustam portam; quia lata porta et spatiosa via quae ducit ad perditionem; et multi sunt qui introeunt per eam: quam angusta est porta, et arcta via quae ducit ad vitam; et pauci sunt qui eam inveniunt!» non ideo dicit, quia jugum Domini asperum est, aut sarcina gravis; sed quia labores finire 1305 pauci volunt , minus credentes clamanti, «Venite ad me, omnes qui laboratis, et ego vos reficiam. Tollite jugum meum super vos, et discite a me quoniam mitis sum et humilis corde: jugum enim meum lene est, et sarcina mea levis est» (Matth. XI, 28-30) (hinc autem iste sermo sumpsit exordium, de humilibus et mitibus corde): quod jugum lene et levem sarcinam multi respuunt, pauci subeunt; eoque fit arcta via quae ducit ad vitam, et angusta porta qua intratur in eam.